McBride Proclaims Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Since 1981, October has been commemorated as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The observance serves to educate communities, individuals, couples and families about Family Advocacy Program services and other community resources that can help prevent, raise awareness of community responsibility and resources for addressing domestic abuse.

Each year, approximately 15.5 million children are exposed to domestic violence. Between 2013 and 2015, there were 264 reports of domestic homicides in Tennessee Abuse adversely affects survivors and impacts their lives, family, friends, and the community.

Domestic violence is widespread and is more prevalent toward women and children. Domestic abuse crosses all economic, racial, gender, educational, and religious barriers.

Advocates for the prevention of domestic violence urge victims to receive help, compassion, and comfort while their abusers should receive punishment.

In 2015, more than 50 percent of all crimes against persons in West Tennessee were crimes of domestic and/or sexual violence. More than 90 percent of the victims were women and girls.